Volcano and the aftermath.

It's only when a natural disaster occurs that we realise how fragile our existence on earth is and how it doesn't matter how big we think we are because nature is a great leveller. The Icelandic volcano has had a massive impact on our way of life in a very short time. We sometimes think these disasters happen elsewhere in the world but not here. Even as I write this blog we still do not know how long the present situation will last? The last time it erupted, it continued to do so for a further two years. Yesterday (19/4/2010), the volcano was becoming more stronger rather than weakening and with the wind direction changing it was expected to disrupt the UK and Europe airspace even more. I think we all know of somebody stranded away from home, waiting for the situation to improve. Everyday we are hearing shocking stories of people having to pay over the odds either to stay where they are or to get home by whatever means necessary. The chances of claiming compensation are practically nil, because this disaster is classed as an "act of God". Some airline companies believe the EU have over re-acted by banning all flights and say as long as aircraft do not fly directly through the cloud planes should be ok. Apparently British Airways are losing £20m per day. One other problem the eruption is causing, is the impact it is having on imports and exports and is highlighting the difficulties some countries with fragile economies are having. It should be interesting to see how things develope in the next few weeks. Anyway, to lighten the mood here's some thoughts local wags have come up with....

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  I think it’s too soon to make jokes about the Icelandic volcano…we should at least wait until the dust settles.
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  Volcano in Iceland…What next Earthquake in Asda?
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  What do Cheryl Cole and the Iceland volcano have in common? They both chucked out ash.
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  It was the last wish of the Icelandic economy that its ashes were spread all over Europe.
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  There’s no pleasing the English. The last time they got the Ashes they were over the moon.
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  Went outside today and got hit by a bag of frozen sausages, a chocolate gateau and some fish fingers. Someone said it's a fallout from Iceland.